Sorting-machine.



A. PIG KEN.

SORTING mmmm.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 28. 1908. 1 941,270, Patented Nov. 23, 1909.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 1 A. PIGKEN.

SORTING MACHINE.

. APPLIOATIOH FILED MAY 28, 1908. 941,270. Patented Nov. 23, 1909.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

A. PIUKEN.

SORTIITG MACHINE.

APPLIOATIOH FILED MAY 26. mos.

Patented Nov. 23, 1909.

7 SHEETS-3331 3.

A. PICKEN.

SORTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 2a, 1908.

Patented Nov; 23, 1909.

7 BHBETS -8HEBT 4.

. ArO/LbbmlL-mkgrgtqw'UC l-lf wi/lmaoaeo kB'N;

SOBTING MAGHINE.

AlPLIOATION YILBD MAY 28, 1908.

Patented I Nov. 23, 1909.

7-SHEETS-SHEET 6.

A. PIGKEN.

SORTING MACHINE. APPLICATION rum) KAYZE. 190a Patented Nov. 23, 1909.

7 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARCHIBALD PICKEN, 0F NORFOLK, VIRGILlIA.

SORTING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 28, 1908. Serial No. 435,563. V v

To all whom it may com-em:

Be it known that I, ARCHIBALD PIOKEN, a' citizen of the United States, residing at Norfolk, in the county of Norfolk and State of Virginia, have invented a new and useful Sorting-Machine, of which the following isa specification. 7

The sorting of railway tickets that have been used and particularly. ,those of the that while the invention is particularly de-' vised for employment in connection with railwayjtickets, it is by no means limited to such use, ;inasmuch as there 'are features that may undoubtedly be'successfullyem-' ployed in connection with sorting mechanism for' other articles. I

An embodiment of the invention that has proyen satisfactory, is illustrated intheaccor'ripan'ying drawings and is described in the following specification, but it will be evident from an inspection of the claims hereto appended that the invention is not limitedto the structure disclosed.

In the drawings :Figure 1 is a plan view of the machine with the central portion broken away. F ig. 2 is an end elevation of the same. Fig. 3 isva side elevation of one end-portion, parts thereof being illustrated insect-ion. Fig 4. is a vertical-cross sectional iew through the machine. Figs. 5-8 inclusiveware also cross sectional views looking in the opposite direction to Fig. 4, and showing the different positions assumed by the controlling and ejecting means for one of the tickets. Fig. 9 is a detail pers ective view of one of the selector levers. l ig. 10 is a similar view of the device for limiting the movement thereof andactuating such lever. Fig. 11 is a detail perspective view of one of the stops or positioning devices for the tickets. Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view showing the means for effee-ting the elevation of the movable gu de, rail. Fig. 13 is a longitudinal sectional ,therethrough.

view through the ticket magazine and feedmg mechanism. Fig. 14 is a sectional view on the line i l-14; of Fig. 13. Fig.1.) is a detail view of the cam and associated mechamsm for effectingv the longitudinal movement of the conveyer. Fig. 16 is a view of the mechanism for effecting the rotary movement of the conveyer rock shafts. Fig. 17 is a detail view of the cam and associated mechanism for operating the sto lingers and movable rail. Fig. 18 is a; 'et ail view of the cam and operating mechanism Patented Nov. 23, 1909.

for actuating the selectors. Fig. 19 ,illus- Y trates the cam and mechanism for operating the ejector plungers. Fig. 20 is a detail plan' view of two'tic-kets illustrating the different. relative positions of the openings Similar reference numerals designate corresponding parts in all the figures 'of-the' drawings.

In. the embodiment il1ustrated, a suitable supporting frame is provided, which in chides a pair of longitudinal bars 21 supported on standards 22, which are mounted on a suitable base 23.- The upper edges of the bars.21' 'coiistit uteh-track's or guides for the tickets or" othenarticles to .be sorted, and

located at one'erid thereof, is a magazine 24 for the cards or tickets, said bars passing beneath, and constituting the bottom of the magazine, andthe walls of said magazine being so arranged-that one card canpass at.

a time from the bottom of the stack placed in the magazine into the passageway formed by-the tracks or guides. Arranged along one of the bars 21 are receivers'or compartments 25 for the tickets sorted, the same having open tops and open outer sides. Cooperating with each' of'these receivers or compartments is an expelling or ejecting plunger 26, the same operating transversely of the passageway for the tickets, their inner ends being normally located on the adjacent bar 21, their rear. or outer portions being supported by another bar 27 that is carried on-bracket arms 28 fastened to the standards 22. The inner ends of theplungers 26 are provided with notches '29, which, with the upper edge of the bar 21 on which they rest, and short sections of an le'b'ars .30, shown in Fig. 13, form a gui eway for the rear edges of the tickets. The guideway for the outer edge of the tickets comprises the upper edge ofthe outer bar 21, and' a verticallyv compartments.

is periodically opened, as will be hereinafter more fully described, so as to permitthe tickets to be discharged into their respective For the purpose of-removing the tickets successively from the bottom of the magamine 24, carrying them step by step through the passageway andpresenting them successively to each of the plungers 26 until the proper one to eject the same is reached, as hereinafter explained, the following mech-- anism is employed. A pair of reciprocatory rock shafts 34'is employed that are slidably and rotatably mounted in suitable bearings 35 mounted. on pieces 36 that v bridge the space between the bars 21. These rock shafts are provided at intervals with sets of ticket orcard-engagingfingers 37 arranged a distance apart equal to the width of'the tickets or other articles to be sorted, The rock shafts are geared together, as shown at 38 in Figs. 2 and 16, and one of the gears has an arm 39 provided with a slot 40. A rod 41, engaged in said slot, is carried by the upper spaced arms 42 of a lever fulcrumed between its ends, as illustrated at 43 on a bracket 44 that is fastened to one of the bars '21. Acam shaft 45, journaled" in any suitable manner, below the bars 21 and geared as shown at 46 to a suitable driving shaft 47', is provided with a disk 48, on one side of whlch is fastened a cam 49 having a track or roove 50. 'Enga'gedin this track or groove is a pin-51 carried by the lower'end of the g lever 42.1 It will thus be clear thatupon the rotation of the disk 48 and cam 49, the lever will be caused to swing, thereby rocking the journaled on the lower portion of the frame,

arms 39, and through the gearing 38, partially rotating the rock shafts 34.

In order to effect-the reciprocation of the rock shafts, the mechanism shownfmost clearly in Figs. 3 and 15 is employed. A

bridge-piece 52, in which the shafts 34 are journaled, connects said shafts, andis held against longitudinal movement thereon by collars 53 secured to the shafts on opposite sides of said bridge-piece. A bell crank 54,

has an upstanding arm 55 provided in its upper other arm 57 of the bell crank is engaged in the end of a lever 58 located at right angles thereto and. fulcrumed at its opposite end, as shown' at 59. This lever has a pin. 60 that,

operates in a cam. groove or way 61 formed upon the opposite side of the disk '48 tothat having the cam 49. 'It will thusbe evident that upon the rotation of theR'disjk 48, the lever 58 will be swung back and forth,tl1ereticket orcarddelivery devices.

scribed, swinging arms64 are employed that that operates in a camway 69 formed upon v end with a slot 56 which receives the central portion of this bridge-piece. 'The by swinging the; bell of its engagement withfthq' effecting the longitudinal- Y shafts. Referring now to :Figs.-""13 a1id514,it, will be noted that a pair of supporting famisf 62 are employed thatgoperate beneath' magazine 24, and} these anns' are' provided with upstanding terminals." 63 constituting 7 Theoperation of theabove con- 75.

aveyer. or ticket carrying; meansis substan'e tially, as follows: Beca'use'of the peculiar arrangement of the cams. above 1 upon; the longitudinal'movement ofithejgroek shafts 34 in one direction,i said fingers63g0 are held upright. ,At the conclusionof, their stroke in this direction, the cam 49 operates to rotate the shafts sufficient-1y todfe the fingers, and they are. maintainfe in d'epressed relation during and until the com} pletion of the return stroke of the shaft. They are then swung to elevated position, and the first stroke is repeated. 'Itwill thusbe evidentthat the :fingers'. '63 will successively engage the" lowermost ticket 'in the magazine and expel the same into the sageway or guide and into position-in ine'; with the first plunger. Upon the inextare ciprocation, the succeedingyticket -will be removed from the magazine, and thefirst ticket will be carried tothe second plunger and so on through the entire {passa eway'j ofi For the purpose of properly and holding the tickets'during the retr grade movement of the conveyer 'above"de'-;-"

until ejected, as hereinafter set fort f are mounted on a rock' shaft65, and he depending s acing fingers 66 that are ada ed to drop between theticketsadjacent the ticketengaging fingers 37 17, has secured theretoa crank arm 67 pro -f; vided at its free lower end with apin 68 5 one side of a disk 70 that isfast to the cam shaft 45. The arrangement of 'thiscam-way is such that the shaft' 65 is turned to lower the fingers 66 just before the rock shafts 34 j are turned to depress the ticket-engaging. fingers 37,; and they remain depressed until the retrograde movementofsaid fingers 37, the fingers 66 rising as the fingers 37 rise.

Y It will thus be clear that the tickets .are posi-- jtively held -against retrograde movement. 2 :with the conveyer, and during such. retro f-f grade movementthe expelling action takes place, as hereinafter explained so that the fingers 66 constitute guldes fcr' anyv tickets g'the operation of the ejecting p id consequentlythe expulsion i'n'ecl tickets will ,nowbefexplained, Referring toFi 19, it hat still another dis 7-1' is The means; f'

The rock ,shaft 65, 'as'shown more particularly in Fig."-

I side with a .To this end, a rock secured to the camshaft 45, and islprovided on one side. with a 'cam groove 72 in which, is engaged a pin 73 carried by the free'end of acrank arm 74. This arm is fa'stto a rock shaft 75 thatca'rries' a series of uplower end. with the end plunger as shown in Fig. 19, the tooth-;80 always remainsin its socket, but with the others, as illustrated in Figs. 5-8 inclusive, their engagement and disengagement is automatically controlled. shaft 82 is employed, and loosely fulcrumcd on said rock shaft' are a series of controlling or selector levers 83,

one being employed for each plunger. The rear ends of these levers are downturned, as

shown at 8%, and their'lower edges 85 are teeth 80.0f the dogs over the front lugs 77 as is hereinafter more 7 designated 90, as shown more particularly in Flg. 20, are. provided with opening's91.therethrough,.the openings of tickets of ditferentfeharacters The lower inclined ed adapted to swingto positions across the socketsbetween the shoulders 77, as shown 'moreparticularly in Fig. 8.- .Track ele-' ments 86, pivoted asshown at 87,-to the rear end portions of the levers 83, are. capable of free forward swinging movement with respect to said levers, buttheir rearward movements are limited by stop projections- 88. ges 89 of these track elements constitute, guides .for directing the and into said sockets, fu'lly'set forth. Thetiekets,

being differently arranged.

Secured to-,the front ends of thew'selector or controlling levers 83 are downwardly extending fin ers 92, and-these fingers are arranged in di erent. relative positions with respect to the tickets that are passed thereunder so that during the swinging movement of the levers,

the lower ends of said fingers have fixed paths of movement, and each will'pas's into the openings of tickets of one predetermined character. Thusreferring to F1g.; 6,

' it will be. noted that theselector finger 92-,

i there shown, is disposed in the opening 91' .sequently. elevated S05 as. E0. permit of the dog to engage in its soql the other hand, referring to Fig. 8;

of the ticket, and it will be observed .that the rear lower edge oflthe lever 83 is con-' at on y will be noted that the opening 91 is out ofl'a'li'nement with-the finger 92. thatis-.a rranged above the ticket. Consequently therear' tooth edge 85 of the controllinglever 83 is in a position to prevent the tooth 80 of the dog entering the socket. 1 Asv already explained, the levers 83 are :loosely'fulcrumed on the rock shaft 82,-but

arrangedalongside each lever and fixed to the rock shaft, is a stirrup member and is provided with terminal hooks '94 ,'iri

which. the lever is located, said lever hav= mg a limited movement with'respect to the operated by the rock-shaft 82. The rock shaft 82. has secured to one end, as illustrated-in Fig. 18 a crank arm 95, havingvat its free end a pin 96 that is engaged in the 93 that extends on opposite sidesof said rock shaft,

stirrup member, but being also moved to a'- limited extent by said stirrup member when cam way 97'formed upon the opposite side of the disk 70to that havingthe cam-way 69.' Thus the rock shaft is periodically moved in opposite directions, the movement being sufiicient to. swing the selector fingers 92 upwardly above the path of movement of the tickets -and to swing them downwardly to a position to engage the tickets, the weights 81. on the dogs serving to swing the leversfar enoiigh to carry the fingers- 92 into the openings of the tickets when the same aline withthe openings therein, and

thus permit the teeth of the dogs 89 to enter the socketsIbet-we'en the lugs 77. r I f Theoperation of this portion of the structure is substantially as follows Referring first-to Fig. 5, and assumin'ggthat the ticket 90 .has just been carriedfl'to the position "shown byjthe conveyergf the rock-shaft 65 is turned to, depress the fingers 66, and simultaneously the rock shaft 82 is turned. to partially depress the selector,fingers 92, as'

sl1own in"Fig.6. If'IlOW the ticket 90 has an opening, 91- alined withthe particular selector finger 92 in question, the weight 81 of thedog will have sufiicient force to "swing the lever 83 and carry said finger-92 into said: opening, thus permitting the tooth? 80 of the dog to engage between the lugs 7 7 of the plunger rod 26, as'illustr'ated in Fig. 6 The cam 72. now operates to swing the rock shaft 75, and 'consequentlythe crank arms 76, and the plunger in question will move forwardly. As it does so, the rock shaft 82" reverses its movement-to lift all'the selector fingers 92, thus disengaging the particular one in question from the opening in theticket,'.and said ticket is expelled, as illuss I trated inFig'. 7. During a -complete reciprocation of the plunger rods,th return movement of the conveyer. rock shafts34-take:

place. On the .otherhand, assumethat a 'ticket comes beneath a selector finger 92', and does-not have an opening that registers with 1 said sel'ectorfinger. Such a disposition of partsis illustrated'in Fig.8.. In this ease,

the selector,[fingerv 92 comes down upon the ticket and can move n'o farther. Therefore 50 v timed, take place just opera on so that when the rearz'edge 85 of the lever 83 holds the j tootlfSO'of the dog out of its socket, and as the arm 76 carrying the dog moves forwardly, said dog will be inactive, will merelv push the track element 86 out of the way and slide along the plunger. Aftcrpassing the track element 86, the latter will swing to its vertical positionso that upon thereturn movement, the tooth will ride along the loweredge 89 and be returned to a position to operate. Inasmuch as the plunger rod 26 was notactuated, it will be evident that the ticket. has not fopenin'g in said ticke't now alines with 1nger, it will be expelled, if not, it a1 be moved on and so thnough the matil it reaches the proper ejector. V If, from any cause, it should pass all when it reaches the fina'l one, in Fig. 1, this plunger retime as will be evident, be-

1 cause the tooth SO-of the dog is always engaged between the lugs 7T. and consequently tickets, which fall to be;:sorted from any -reason, are delivered into the final com.-

' pa rtment. I

As already explained, and as shown in Fig. 12, the guide vrail 31 is vertically movable and during the movement of tlie tickets along the passagewayfit is .inits depressed position so that saidtickets cannot-accidentally move outwardly a nd thus become lodged. It will be evident, however, that.

when the ejecting or expelling operation takes place, this rail must be out of the way in order to permit tickets to pass under itinto the difierent compartments 25. secure this operation, the' rock shaft 65, which carries the stop or separatingfingers (3G, is also provided with rearwardly extending bracket arms porting I the tickets into 98 having upturned terminalslQS-that embrace the supporting arm 42. for the rail. -Consequently when the shaft 65 is turned in one direction, the

arms'98 being raised, will elevate the suparms 32 and-fithus said rail. \Vhen turned in an opposite direction, the said rail ca drop. This elevating'movemcnt is prior'f tqthe ejecting said-fejecting operation ccurs, the rail will be elevated, but during the movement of the tickets along the passageway, the-rail is depressed. The

In er rods, as illustrated in Fig.7,- carry the compartments, this view illustrating one of the rods duringth'e e ecting movement prior ttkilt s completion. The saidrods move to a su cient extent to bring their slotted ends'into the compartments, and in order to detach the tickets therefrom and prevent their retrograde movement back stripping devices are into the passageway,

of swinging fingers employed in the form I beendisturbed, so .that upon the next movement of the con- 15 parture.

100 that are pivotally mounted on the verwell understood.

T o recapitulate briefly the general operation of the machine, the tickets, cards or other articles to be sorted are placed in the magazine 24, and are carried step by step through the passageway, being presented successively to each ejecting mechanism, the operation of which is controlled by the selector for the same. \Vhen a ticket or card reaches an ejecting mechanism that has a selector finger, which will move into the opening in said ticket or card, then the ejecting lunger is connected to the operating means for said plunger, and the card or ticket is deposited in the proper compartment 'This operation may occur with ployed for classifying tickets according tov the destinations, of the same, each station having a selector receiving. opening at a predetermined point different from those of the others..- It is also desirable to assort them according to the points of de- It will therefore be evident that each ticket may be provided with two or more openings so that they may be passed through different machines, and after having been classified for one purpose, can be reclassified for another.

From the foregoing, it is thought that the construction, operation and many advantagcsof the herein described invention will be apparent to those skilled in the-art, without furtherdescription, and it will be understood that various changes in the size, shape, proportion. and minor details of construction, may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

Having thus fully described my invention,-

whatI claim as'new, and desire to secure by located of independen ly or simultaneously movable Y expelling devices for ejecting the articles" from said passageway, said expelling devices being arranged along the said passageway.

In sorting mechanism of' -the character" I set forth,

way for the articles being sorted, means-for the combination with a'passa-gecarrying the articles along said passageway by a step-by-step movement, of aseriesfof movable expelling devices before whichthe articles are successively presented, and operating means automaticallythrown into engagement with the said devices by the. arrival of the proper article into association with the proper expelling device.

4; In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway forarticles to be sorted, of a series of receivers for'tlie diflerent articles located at one side of such passageway, a series of devices for expelling the different articles transversely, of the passageway, each into "its propenreceiver, and a mechanism automatically connected with one or more of the said devices and governed by the arrival of theproper article or articles into association with the expelling mechanism designed to expel said article or articles. I

In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination 'with a passageway for the articles to be sorted, ofreceivers for the articles located at -one side of the passageway, an' expelling device for each receiver movable transversely across the passagewayto push said articles out of the passageway and into said receivers and a mechanism arranged to operate one or more expelling devices at a time.

6. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for articles to be sorted, of a series of receivers for the articles located at one side of the passageway, a series of reciprocatory plungers, one associated with each receiver and movable transversely across the passageway at different points for moving articles out of said passageway into the receivers a periodically opening gate between the re cciver and passageway, and means for moving the plunger-s when the gate is open.

' T; In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a single track or guideway, and means for carrying a series of cards or tickets successively therealong. of means for singly or collectively sclemingand removing different cards'or Tickets at different points along the track or guidewa-y. said means being normallyout of a tuation-but being put in actuation by the arrival of the proper card or ticket at the proper selecting points;

In mechanism,ofagthe. character set forth. Lhe-combination with a track or guideway for the articles to be sorted including a movable rail, of receivers associated with track guide set forth, the combination with atrack or gmdeway for the articles to be sorted, in-

cluding a movable rail, of receivers located the movable rail, means for movingthe'rail, and m as for expelling articles from the way into" the re aceivers when the'. --f-ra1l -,1S moved. a i

9; Insorting mechanism of the character the same to raise and lower the'rail, a cam for operating the shaft, and means for expelling the articles from the" track ,or' guideway into the receivers when the rail is moved to a predetermined position 11. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a' passageway for the articles to be sorted,"of; transversely moving fingers for selecting and removing the articles from said passageway, and devices connected to the passageway for detaching the articles from said fingers after their movement thereby.

12. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for the articles to be sorted, offplnngers movable in opposite directions for engaging and moving the articles transversely from said passageway, and detent's which engage the articles to v prevent their retrograde movement with the plungers back into said passageway. v

13. In sorting mechanism ofth e-character set forth, the combination with 'a track vor guideway for the articles to bex sorted including a movable rail, of'receivers asso-,

ciated with the movablerail, means for moving the rail, means for expelling the articles from the track or guideway, into" the receivers when the rail is moved to a" predetermined position, and detents mounted; on the rail for preventing the-return of the articles removed from the track or 'guideway.

14. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combinationfwithfa track or guideway for the articles toi be sorted including a vertically swingin'gjail'," of receivers located alongside the ra l 'means for periodically elevating and lowering the I311, means for expelling the articl fhzom the track or guideway into the receivers when the rail sis ele}' ated, and swingiiigf jdetents mounted .on the. rail and eng ging behind the articles expelled, to prevent their return movement into the track or guideway.

rocking movement rotating the rock nected to the rock 15. In mechanism of .the character de scribed, the combination with selecting mechanism, of a reciproeatory conveyer having a in one direction in engagement \vitl t ho articles to be sorted, and a movement inane other direction out of engagement therdtiaith.

16. The combination with selecting mechanism, of article conveying means associated therewith, said means comprising aconveyer movablein opposite directions and including article-engaging devices movable therewith, means for moving the devices to an inac tive position out of engagement with the articles during their movement in one direction, and means for moving said devices to an active position to engage with said articles when moved in an opposite direction.

17. The combination with selecting mechanism, olarticle conveying means therewith. said means including a longitudinally reciprocatory rot-l; shaft, article-engaging lingers associated. with the rock shaft, and means for, rotating and reciprocating the shaft to engage said fingers with the articles being sorted'upon reciprocation of the rock shaft in one direction and to disengage said fingers upon a reciprocation in the opposite direction.

15%. The combination with selecting mechanism. of artic!e-conveying means associated therewith, said means including a reciprocatory rot-k shaft, artic e-engaging fingers associated with the rock shaft, a cam far rotating the sha ft, another cam, and means operated by the lattcr cam and connected to the shaft for moving the same longitudinally in opposite directions.

1%). The combination with selecting mechanism, of article-conveying means associated therewith, said means including a plurality of reciprocatory rock shafts, article-engaging fingers carried thereby, and means for shafts and causing their reciprocatory movements.

20. The combination with selecting mechanism, of article-conveying means associated therewith, said means including a plurality of reciprocatory rock shafts, gearing connecting the rock shafts for causing their simultaneous rotation, article-engaging fingers carried by the rock shafts, a cam, means operated by the cam and connected to the rock shaft; for rotating them, another .cam, and means operated by the latter cam and conshafts for elfecting their reciprocatory movement.

, 21. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a magazine for the articles to be'sorted, of a passageway .for said articles extending from the. magazine, selecting mechanism associated w th the passageway, and a longitudinally reciprocatory conveyer for the articles 'lso associated with the passageway.

associated means operated by the another rock shaft, stop- ,and means operated by forth, the combinat 22. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a n'iagazine for the articles to be sorted, of a passageway for such articles extending from the magazine, selecting mechanism associated with the passageway, reciprocatory rock shafts located longitudinally of said passageway and having article-engaging fingers, and 'Ineans for reciprocating and rotating the shafts.

23. The combination With'gselecting mechanism, of conveyer carryingthe articles to be sorted past said selecting mechanism, said conveyer being movable in opposite directions, and means permitting the carriage o the articles in one direction by said conveyer, but preventing movement of said articles when the conveyer moves in an opposite direction.

2- The combination with selecting mechtions, and means movable to and from P0511 tions between the articles for permitting the movement of said articles in one direction biv the conveying means and preventingtheir movement in an opposite direction by said means.

The combination with'selecting mechanism, of article-conveying means associated-" therewith and movable in oppositedirec-' tions, a rock shaft, and holding fingers car-- and movable to and from for holding in one direcl'lttl by the shaft po i ions between the articles said articles against movement tion by the conveying means.

2G. The combination with selecting mechanism, of a reciprocatory convcyer, swinging holder lingers, means forreciprocat-ing the conveyor, aml means for holding the fingers depressed between the articles'during the movement. of the conveyor in one direction and elevated out of the path of movement of the articles during the movement of the conveyer in an opposite directio .27. In mechanism of the character set" forth, the combination with a magazine for the articles to be sorted, of a track or guide} way extending therefrom, a conveyer. associated with said track or guideway and-com prising rock shafts having-areciprocatory movement, a cam, means operated by-the' cam for rotating second cam for recipa rocating the shafts, v fingers carried by the same and movable into and out of the track or guideway, a third cam, the third cam' and connected to the last-mentioned rock shaft for effecting its rotaigyxmovement at predetermined intervals. 7

28. In mechanism of the character-set for the articles-{to ed, a periodicallyoperated gatef'p' to be removedfi'o t e---passageway, of a the shafts, another cam,

"with a passageway permit the articles 1ity of devices located at different points along the passageway for removing the articles therefrom, means movable along the passageway for carrying the article into position before each ofthe removing de-. vices and means movable into and out ofv the passageway for positionin the articles with respect to the removing evices.

29. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for the articles to be sorted, of a plurality of receivers for the sorted articles, an automatically operated gate between the )assa ewa and receivers devices 0 eratin D 3 transversely of the passageway for expelling the articles therefrom into the receivers when the gate is open, and devlces for pre- -.vent1ng the movement of said articles longitudlnally along the passageway during the expelling operation. v

.30. in sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for the articles to be sorted, of a plurality 'of receivers-for the sorted articles located alongside the passageway, means for moving thcarticles-step by step along said passageway, and intermittently operated devices inovablesingly or collectively for delivering the devices from the said passageway, said devices and moving means ppernting alternately. i f

31. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for the articles to be sorted, of a plurality of receivers for the sortedaarticles located alongside the passageway, a reciprocatory conveyer having a movement in one direction to individually engage and move the articles longitudinally of the passageset forth, the combination with a passageway and having a return movement, and means operating. transversely of the passageway during the return movement of the conveyer to removethe articles from said passageway into the receivers.

In sorting mechanism of the character way for the articles to be sorted, of a plurality of receivers for the sorted articles located alongside the passageway, a conveyor comprising reciprocatory shafts having ar tide-engaging fingers, means for rotating and reciprocating'the shafts, and plungers operating transversely .of the passageway for removing the articles therefrom and depositing them in the receivers.

.In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the-combination withfa track or guide includin a novable l'ai ,v of a con- I veyer associate with the track or guide and comprising reciprocatory' shafts having spaced article-engaging fingers, means for rotating and reciprocating the shafts to. carry thearticleswith a' ste by step movement along the track or gu1 e, plungers op-' pass therebeneath.

crating transversely of the trackorguide,

plungers during the movement of the shafts in one direction, and means for elevating the movable rail to permit the plungers to 34. In sorting mechanism of 'the character set vforth the] combination with a passage way along which the articles to be sorted are carried, a periodically opening gate at one 'side thereof, and a plurality of movable sorting devices located successively along said passageway for removing the tickets when the gate opens, of means for presenting the articles to be sorted successively to said devices. 1

35. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combinationwith means for carrying articles to be sorted alonga-prcdetermined path of movement, of selecting devices located at different points along the path of movement and capable of simultaneous operation, and ejecto'rs put into action by said selecting devices and operating to push said articles from the said.-- -iatl1 of novement.

36. In sorting mechanism of the character set fortln-the.combination with a plurality of independent sorting devices, of a con-. \eyer passing before the-sorting devices for presenting articles successively to said devices and means forgiving the conveyer a step-by-step motion.

37. In sorting mechanism-ofthe character set forth, the combination with a plurality of separately movable ejecting devices normally out of actuation, of means for presenting a plurality of articles successivelyto said devices,

and means controlled by said articles when so presented for actuating one orany number of ejecting devices at a time to remove aid articles. a 7 I 38. In'sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a plurality of separately mo'vableejecting devices, of

actuating means for any number of said ejecting'devices, and means-controlled by the articles to be sorted when presented before the proper ejecting devicejfor' engaging the ejecting devices with the actuating means to emove one ormore articles. B9. In sorting mechanism'of the-character set'forth, the combination-with a plurality common actuating means for all of the said ejecting devices, and means controlled by the articles sorted for engaging theejecting devices with the actuating means to remove aid article.

40. sorting mechanismofthe'character set forth, the combination-with a plurality of separately-movable article-removing clevices, of means for presenting" the articles successively to said devices,:and.a selector for each artic1e-removing device adapted to be engaged by the, properarticle when present- .of separately movable ejecting devices, of

iier of said devices at a time.

"assoc ted'lwith' each plunger and illto an 4:1. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a plurality of separate article removing devices, of means .for presenting articles successively to different articleeremoving devices, common actuating means for said devicsQ-and mechanism controlled by the articles presented for separately engaging the article-removing devices with the common actuating means.

42. In sorting mechanism ofthe character set forth, the combination with a plurality of separate article removing devices, of .means for presenting articles successively to each of the different artiQe removing dev1ces, common actuating means for said devices, and mechanism, controlled by the articles presented, for separately engaging a removing device and the actuating means, said mechanism including a selector associated with each removing device.

43. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for the'art-icles to be sorted, of a p urality of=separate ejecting devices located alongside the passageway and normally but of uition, means for intermittently movarticles alongside thepassageway ne' ejecting deviceto th next, and'a fsele associated with each: ejecting device an ntrolledby the articles presented the to for actuating 'tlnfassociated ejector.

In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for the; articles to be sorted, of a plurality of separate ejecting plungers located along the passageway and operating trans- .versely thereof, means for intermittently moving. the articles along the passageway :froi ne plunger to the next, and a selector movable (1 out of the passageway, said selectorsbeing'controllediby the articles presented. to the plungersland governing the goperation of said fplungens. TfibIn' sorting mec lfm of the character seef-Eorththe, combina n with a movable article-moving device,.

operating means therefor-movable independently of said devicefmid. means controlled by articles pre-,

seated to; the

device for connectin'g the operatln means to said device.

46, a .n sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a movable article-moving device,.of operating means therefor movable inie endently of said deas' dog for det c ably perating' means ,and device, and mechanism fer governin the operation of the do.

,. at. In sorting mechanism of the character. set forth, the'combination with an articlemoving member, of an operating member, a

connecting thev shoulder on one member, a dog on the other member 'movable into and out of coactionwith the shoulder, and means for governing the movement of the dog to permit or prevent its movement into coaction with the shoulder.

48. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a plunger having a shoulder, of a swinging operating device, a dog pivoted on the operating device and movable into and out of coaction with the shoulder, and means for governing the movement of the dog to permit or prevent its movement into coaction with the shoulder and the consequent operation of the plunger by the operating device.

49. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with an articlemoving member. of an actuating member for the same including a device that connects and disconnects the members, and means controlled bytlie articles to be moved for governing the operation of the connecting device. 1

50. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with an article moving member. of an actuating member for the same including a device that connects and disconnects the members, and a swinging article-engaging device for governing the operation of the connecting device.

51. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with. an article moving member, of an actuating member for the same including a device that connects 10c and disconnects said members, a movable article-engaging device for governing the operation of the connecting device, and

'means for moving the article-engaging dei'rom the articles presented 10% vice toward and to the moving member.

In sorting mechanism of the character set. forth, the combination with an articlemoving member, of an actuating member,

therefor, a dog carried by one member and 11 movable into and out of coaction with the other member, and a movable article-engag-' ing selector for governing said movement 0 the dog.

v In sorting mechanism of the character 11 set forth, the combinationwith an articlemoving member, of an actuating member therefor, a dog carried by one member and movable into and out of coaction with the other member, a movable .article-engagmg 1:

selector for governing said movement of the dog, and means for automatically moving 4 the selector.

54. In sorting mechanism ofthe character set forth, the c moving member, of an actuating member, a shoulder carried by one member, a dog carried' by .the other member "and movable-into and out of coaction with the shoulder, and

a swinging selector having a "portion on 1 mbination with an article- 1 I catory plunger having a shoulder, of .a.

which the dog can ride and which is movable to aposition to, prevent the movement of said dog into coaction with the shoulder.

In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, thecombination with an articlemoving member, of an actuating member, a shoulder carried by one member, a dog carried bythe other .member and movable into andout of coaction with the shoulder, a

the'dog can ride and which is movable to a position to prevent the movement of said dog-intocoactionwith the shoulder, and a track pivoted to the selector for directing the'dog on to said portion. I

56. Inserting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a plunger, of actuating. means therefor, a dog mounted on the actuating means and movable into and out of coaction with .the plunger, a rock shaft, a selector loosely journaled on the rock shaft and having a 'device which engages the dog to prevent its movement into coaction withthe plunger, and means carried by the rock shaft for limiting the inde pendent movement of the selector thereon.

.57. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a'reciproswinging actuating device therefor, a dog pivoted on the actuating device and movable into andout of coaction with the shoul- .der, a rock shaft, a -selector lever loosely journaled on ,the rhck shaft and, having a portion arranged to hold the dog out of coaction with the shoulder, a track pivoted to the leve'r and constituting means for directing the dog against said portion, means connected' to the rock shaft for swinging the lever in opposite directions, and means for operating the shaft.

58. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for cards or tickets, of an expelling plunger that operates across the same, means for presenting cards or tickets successively to 's'aidplunger, operating means for the plunger, movable into and out of coaction therewith, and a selector movable into and out of the passageway and controlled by the cards or tickets for permitting or preventing the coaction of the actuating means with the plunger. I

59. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a magazine for cards or tickets, of a track or guide ex tending therefrom, a plurality of receivers located alongside the track or guide, a plurality of plungers moving transversely of man-ark or guide and-associated with the different receive or tickets front the magazine successively along the"track :or guide to positions between'thc plungers and receivers, actuating means for said plungers, and selectorsthat swingingselector having a portion on which means for moving 'cards' gers operating transversely of the track or guideway and movable beneath the rail, a conveyer comprising reciprocatory rock shafts-having card or ticket engaging fingers, means for rotating and reciprocating the rock shafts, a swinging actuating member for all of the plungers, dogs pivoted on the member and movable into and out of coaction with the different plungers, a pivoted selector lever for each plunger that is movable into and out of coaction with the different cards or tickets and when held in a predetermined position thereby holds a dog out of coaction with a plunger, means for raising the rail upon the operation of the plungers, and means for holding the cards or tickets against movement along the track or guideway during the operation of the olungers.

61; In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for cards or tickets, of means for moving cards or tickets along said passageway, plungers transversely movable to the passageway and controlled by said cards or tickets for ejecting the same at difierent points along said passageway,and a mechanism through which any one or more plungers are operativcly related for ejecting one or more tickets from the passageway at one time.

62. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a frame, of a ticket passageway located therein, means for moving tickets step by step along said passageway, selector mechanism for determining the ejection of said tickets at diifen ent points along the passageway, means for holding the tickets in position to be ejected during such ejecting'operation, and an automatically-operated gate arranged to open for the ejection of tickets.

63. In sorting mechanism of the character setforth, the combination with a magazine for cards or tickets, of a passageway for said cards or tickets extending therefrom, means for moving cards or tickets successively from the magazine and along said passageway, and mechanism for rotating and reciprocating the means to alternately move the cards or tickets along the passageway and release them. j

64. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for cards or tickets, of means for moving the cards or tickets successilely along said passageway, means for ejecting the one or a plurality of tickets at one time at different points along the passageway, and se lector means associated with said ejector means for dctern'lining the ejection of a ticket by said ejecting means.

65. In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for tickets, and a series of selecting and removing devices located along said passageway, of means for carrying tickets step-bystep along said passageway, stop fingers associated with said selecting and removingdevices, and means for causing said stop fingers to rise between said tickets after each forward movement of the same.

it In sorting mechanism of the character set forth, the combination with a passageway for cards or tickets having openings therethrough at difierent points, of means for moving the cards or tickets along said passageway, means for expelling the cards ortickets from said passageway at different points, and controlling mechanism for said expelling mechanism including fingers that en age in the openings of the cards or ticltets when said openings register therewith.

67. In mechanism of the class described,

the combination with a passageway for the articles being sorted, of a selecting device.

consisting of a finger adapted to enter a relatively positioned opening in the article being sorted, and means put into actuation by the finger for relatively moving the article transversely of the passageway to eject the article engaged thereby from the remainder of said articles in the passageway.

68. In mechanism of the class described, the combination with a passageway for the articles being sorted, of a series of selectors associated with the passageway, each including a projecting portion adapted to enga e with a corresponding recess in the artic e, the projecting portion on each selector being differently arranged to the projecting portion of all the other selectors, and means put into actuation by the movement of said selectors, acting to eject the article engaged by the selector from the remainder of-said' articles.

69. In mechanism of the class described, the combination with a passageway for the articles being sorted, of a series of selectors associated with the passageway, each 111- cluding a projecting portion adapted to engage with a corresponding recess in the article,- the projecting portion on each selector being differently arranged from the projecting portion of all the other selectors,

a transversely movable ejector associated with each selector, and means for giving to any of the ejectors a reciprocating move-- ment transversely to the passageway .to eject thefirticle engaged thereby from the remalnderpf said articlesupon the engage ment of the projecting portion of the associated selector with the said corresponding recess in the article.

70. In a card or ticket sorting mechanism, the combination with a passageway for cards or tickets, ofa series of plungers associated with the passageway, a series of selector fingers associated with the plnngers, the selector finger of each plunger being differently positioned to that of all the others, and each adapted to engage with a correspondingly positioned recess in said card or ticket, and means forgiving any plunger a ieciprocation transverse to the passageway upon the engagement of its selector finger with said recess in the card or ticket.

71. In card or ticket sorting mechanism, a passageway for the tickets, means for causing the tickets to have a step-by-step movement along the passageway, a series of selector fingers, each finger being differently, arranged to all the other fingers in relation to said passageway, and. each adapted to engage with a correspondingly arranged recess in any ti ket, and means for giving to the ticket a movement of eject-ion across thepassageway when anyone of saidfingers enters the opening in-th'e ticket.

72. In mechanisnrof the'class described, a passageway for cards or tickets, a series of ejector 'plungers mounted along said passageway and operating transversely thereof, a series of plvoted selector fingers extending into the passageway, one selector finger being associated with each of said plungers, each of said selector fingers being differently. arranged to all the other fingers and adapted to engage with a correspondingly positioned recess in the cards. or tickets andto 'ride' over the nnreces'sed portion of the card and means whereby upon the enor ticket, v gagement of a selector finger withthe card. or ticket, the plunger shall be moved trans-v versely of the passageway to eject the same.

73. In mechanism of the class described, a passageway for ries of receivers associated withsaid passageway, a series of ejecting plungers operating transversely to the passageway, one plunger opposite each of said receivers,-ac-- tuating means for said'plungers normally out of engagement therewith, means for moving the tickets by a step-by-step motion into position before each of the plungers SLICCGSSlX'QlY, and depending fingers associated with the plunger-s, each finger being diflerently positioned relatively to all the other fingers, said fingers beingadapted to fall into corresponding openings formed in the tickets and when so fallen to engage the associated plunger with the actuating mechanism to carry the ticket 'into said receivers upon a movement of the plunger.

74. In mechanism of the class described,v a passageway, means for carrying cards.

the cards ortickets, aseor tickets along said passageway, a series of receivers associated with the passageway, a series 'of transversely moving plungers associated with said passageway, pivoted selecting fingers associated with the 'plungers and adapted to contact with the cards passing along the passageway, engage with openings in the cards or tickets, and when so engaged to actuate the plungers to reciprocate across the passageway and eject the ticket into the receivers, and means for holding the tickets from longitudinal movement along the'passageway between each forward step-by-step movement of the ticket.

75. In mechanism of the class described, a passageway for cardsor tickets, means for intermittently moving the cards or tickets along said passageway, means alternately aised and lowered to engage between adjacent cards or tickets for holding the latter in position between each forward movement, a series of selecting andejecting devices adapted to engage with the proper card or ticket, and means operating said selecting and ejecting devices to eject a card or ticket with which the selecting devices engage upon the cards or tickets coming into posltion before the proper selecting and ejecting devices.

a 76. In mechanism of the class described, a passageway for the cards or tickets, a longitudinal reciprocating rock shaft beneath the passageway, fingers projecting from the rock shaft and adapted to turn upward and into engagement between the tickets upon one portion of the rotation of the rock shaft, and out of engagement with the tickets upon another portion of said rotation, and a series of ejecting devices associated with the passageway and adapted to engage with said cards or tickets as they are brought opposite to said ejecting devices.

77. In mechanism of the class described, a passageway for the cards or tickets, means for carrying said cards or tickets by a stepby-step motion along the passageway, a series of independent plungersmounted along said passageway, actuating means adapted to move any one of said plungers transversely to the passageway, fingers mounted in association with each one of said plungers and adapted to engage with corresponding cards or tickets moving along said passageway. and means whereby upon the engagement of the fingers with the card or ticket, its plunger shall be connected to the operating means.

78.- In mechanism of the class described, a

passageway for the cards or tickets, means for intermittently moving the cards or tickets along the passageway, a series of supports mounted along the passageway, plungers laterally'slidabl'e on said supports, each plunger being independent of all the others, fingers associated with the plungers and adapted to engage with openings in said cards or is in tickets, actuating means adapted to move the plungers laterally to eject no tickets. and means whereby upon the en gemeut of any finger with a card or ticket, :lt plunger associated therewith shall be engaged ith said actuating means and shifted along said support transversely of the pa sageway to eject the ticket. I

79. In mechanism of the cla s de *ibed, a passageway for the cards or ticl means for intermittently moving the can or tick ets along the passageway, a series of pluu- .gers laterally movable, each plunger being the eject-mg movement of its associated plunger.

80. In mechanism of the class described, a passageway, means for carrying the cards or tickets intermittently along said passageway, a rock shaft mounted parallel with the passageway, and a series of positioning fingers mounted on the rock shaft and adapted upon a reciprocation of the shaft to be forced into said passageway between the cards or tickets between each intermittent movementthereof.

81. In mechanism of the class described, a passageway, means for intermittently moving a series of cards or tickets along said passageway, a rock shaft parallel with the passageway, means for rocking said shaft at the end of every intermittent forward movement of the tickets, and a series of arms projecting from the rock shaft into the passage way, having projecting fingers adapted to extend between the tickets when the rock shaft is actuated.

82, In mechanism of the class described, a passageway for cards or tickets, a rock shaft mounted within the passageway, means for reciprocating the rock shaft, fingers upon the shaft adapted, when the rock shaft is moved forward, to extend up between the tickets and carry them along therewith and to be moved out of engagement with the tickets by a further rotation of the rock shaft, and a rock shaft parallel to the passageway having projecting therefrom a series of arms spaced apart from each other the length of a ticket and having depending therefrom fingers adapted to engage between the tickets, and

means for so relatively rotating the ticket- 7 moving rock shaft and the ticket-holtling rock shaft that when the fingers of the first rock shaft are depressed, the fingeis .of the second rock shaft shall engage between the tickets. o

83. In mechanism of the class described, a passageway for cards or tickets. parallel rock shafts sliclably mounted in the passageway, having fingers engaging with the cards or tickets to move the same, means for reeiprocating said rock shaft's'and igotating the same at the end of each reciprocation, a rock shaftparallel to the passageway having a series of arms projecting therefrom provided with depending fingers adapted to engage between the tickets to hold the same from movement at the end of each reciprocation of the ticket-moving rock shaft, means for relatively moving the ticket-moving rock shaft and the tick t-holding rock shaft, :1 series of laterally-movable plungers mounted 20 bet-wee11 'each at e ticket-holding arms,

said plungers being normally outot actuaand each difierently positioned relatively to the other fingers adapted to engage with an opening in a proper ticket, means adapted to transversely move any or all of said plnngers to eject the ticket, and means for engaging anyone of the plungers with said actuating means when thefinger associated with that plunger engages with saidcard o1- ticket, said actuating means being operative when the ticket is being held from longitudinal movement along the passageway.

In test' nony, that I claimthe foregoing as my own, I have hereto afiixed my signature 35 in the presence of two witnesses.

" AROHIBALD PICKEN.

\Vitnesses H. C. DnULmonn, J onx J. LAWRENCE. 

